Microencapsulation Techniques Research Articles

Analysis of mass transfer in the evaporation-gelation process of polystyrene-benzene solution inside a Stefan tube

The hollow polymer spheres preparation technique of micro-encapsulation requires quantative and precise understandings of the complex evaporation, gelation and solidification processes of the polymer solution. This study focused on the mass transfer during the evaporation-gelation process of a PS-benzene solution inside a Stefan tube. Liquid level reductions of polymer solutions were accurately measured using an image-recognition method with 50μm accuracy. An evaporation model was developed to successfully predict the variation of liquid level, concentration and mass transfer flux, considering solution activity and density as lumped parameters that depend on concentration. This carefully validated evaporation model is expected to be invaluable for the analysis and design of polymer solution evaporation, accommodating various geometries and boundary conditions. Despite the observation of complex processes such as precipitation of polymer molecules and solution-gel phase separation, we characterized and explained them using the effective concentration-density relation. The study showed that reaching a mass fraction of benzene of 0.6 is a significant event in the evaporation process, indicating the end of gelation and the beginning of solidification.

Chitosan-based pulmonary particulate systems for anticancer and antiviral drug carriers: A promising delivery for COVID-19 vaccines

Chitosan (CHI) has antimicrobial and anticancer characteristics in addition to being biodegradable and biocompatible as a polymer. It has recently attracted a lot of attention as a potential drug carrier framework material for pulmonary therapeutic transport, particularly in the context of treating infectious diseases and cancer. CHI mucoadhesive, permeation-enhancing, and site- and cell-specific properties all play a key role in the therapeutic carrier's efficacy in the pulmonary circulation. Numerous microencapsulation and micro-nanomixing techniques have been developed to provide nanocarriers with the proper aerodynamic profile for effective pulmonary aerosolization and inhalation. Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and cancer are the outcomes of a subsequent infection with COVID-19. The effectiveness of anti-CoV and anticancer treatments using CHI and its derivatives varies with molecular weight, substituent type, and degree of substitution. From the viewpoint of drug delivery (DD), in addition to its therapeutic performance, CHI is anticipated to attract more attention throughout the coming decade.

Synthesis and electrochemical properties of nano-Si/C composite anodes for lithium-ion batteries

Phenolic resin was coated on the surface of nano-Si by a microencapsulation technique, and then carbonized under Ar protection to prepare a nano-Si/C composite. The composites were first prepared using 4 different mass ratios (1:2, 1:4, 1:6, 1:8) of phenolic resin to nano-Si. The obtained average thicknesses of amorphous carbon coating were 7, 4.5, 3.7, 2.8 nm, respectively. By comparing the cycling and rate capability, the best electrochemical performance was obtained when this ratio was 1:4, with a 4.5 nm amorphous carbon coating. The electrochemical properties of this material were then comprehensively evaluated, showing excellent electrochemical performance as an anode material for Li-ion batteries. At a current density of 100 mAg−1, the material had a first specific discharge capacity of 2 382 mAhg−1, a first charge specific capacity of 1667 mAhg−1, and an initial coulombic efficiency of 70%. A discharge specific capacity of 835.6 mAhg−1 was retained after 200 cycles with a high coulombic efficiency of 99.2%. In addition, the nano-Si/C composite demonstrated superior rate performance. Under current densities of 100, 200, 500, 1 000 and 2 000 mAg−1, the average specific discharge capacities were 1 716.4, 1 231.6, 911.7, 676.1 and 339.8 mAh g−1, respectively. When the current density returned to 100 mA g−1, the specific capacity returned to 1 326.4 mAh g−1.

Synthesis of tea tree oil microcapsules via microencapsulation using novel technique

Tea tree oil (TTO) is widely known essential oil extracted from Melaleuca alternifolia leaves naturally having antimicrobial and antibacterial activities. Due to its highly volatile nature it rapidly evaporates causing loss of efficiency and shorten the effects. Microencapsulation technique was incorporated to ensure the core material is being protected from the immediate contact with the environment and offers controlled release. In this study, microencapsulation of Tea Tree Oil was done by employing complex coacervation technique using Chitosan - Gum acacia system as the coating material and utilized tannic acid as the crosslinking agent. All the materials used in this process are from natural sources which are safe for the human and the environment. In designing the operating process condition for TTO encapsulation, we found that wall ratio of 2:5 and 3.6 pH gave the best yield along with better efficiency. The proposed method studied the surface morphology of the microcapsules with an efficiency and yield of 84.50% and 69.9 % respectively.

Microencapsulation of anthocyanins as natural dye extracted from fruits - A systematic review.

Anthocyanins are naturally colored compounds that can be extracted from plants, especially fruits. Their molecules are unstable under normal processing conditions; thus, they must be protected using modern technologies, such as microencapsulation. For this reason, many industries are searching for information from review studies to find the conditions that improve these natural pigments' stability. This systematic review aimed to elucidate different aspects of anthocyanins, such as main extraction and microencapsulation methods, gaps in analytical techniques, and industrial optimization measurements. Initially, 179 scientific articles were retrieved, of which seven clusters were found with 10-36 cross-linked references. Sixteen articles containing 15 different botanical specimens were included in the review, most focusing on the whole fruit, pulp, or subproducts. The extraction and microencapsulation technique resulting in the highest anthocyanin content was sonication with ethanol, temperature below 40°C, and maximum time of 30min, followed by microencapsulation by spray drying with maltodextrin or gum Arabic. Color apps and simulation programs may help verify natural dyes' composition, characteristics, and behavior.

Microencapsulation of bioactive compound extracts using maltodextrin and gum arabic by spray and freeze-drying techniques

Microencapsulation techniques establish a protective barrier around a sensitive compound, reducing vulnerability to external influences and offering controlled release. This work evaluates microencapsulation of Brazilian seed known as pink pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) extract incorporated with green propolis extract, (main propolis font from the South America native plant Baccharis dracunculifolia DC) to enhancement antioxidant activity through synergic interaction, comparing to the extracts individually. Four treatments were produced using maltodextrin and combined with gum arabic as encapsulating agent, employing two different microencapsulation technique applied (spray drying and freeze drying) to assess their impact on physicochemical properties. The incorporation of gum arabic into matrix yielded higher encapsulation efficiency values, exhibiting significant differences for both encapsulation techniques. Combining the two encapsulation agents afforded greater protection of the bioactive compounds, resulting in an increase of approximately 31 % in the inhibition of the DPPH● radical. In controlled release analysis, maltodextrin exhibits the best protective effect on total phenolic compounds during intestinal release, whereas combining maltodextrin and gum arabic enhanced protection during gastric phase. Microcapsules may contribute to the protection of important bioactive compound, possessing a wide range of applications such as flavors encapsulation in food industry, lipids, antioxidants and pharmaceutical industry for controlled drug release.

Effects of dietary two different microencapsulated Origanum oils on growth performance, nonspecific immunity, gut bacterial communities, and disease resistance in Micropterus salmoides

This study was conducted to examine the effects of two types microencapsulated Origanum oils (MOO) (HMOO: hot spray microencapsulated Origanum oils; CMOO: cold spray microencapsulated Origanum oils) supplemented at different levels (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) on growth performance, antioxidant ability, nonspecific immune responses, gut bacterial communities, gut histology, and disease resistance of juvenile largemouth black bass (mean body weight = 9.72 g). The growth performance were significantly improved in both HMOO and CMOO groups (P < 0.05), but there was no significant interaction between different dietary microencapsulation technologies and supplemented dosages (P > 0.05). A significant interaction between the microencapsulation techniques and dosages was observed in some parameters (e.g., CAT, SOD, GSH-PX, MDA, LYZ, AKP, and ACP) of serum, liver, and intestine, which were influenced by MOO dosage. The α diversity index (observed_species, Chao1, and ACE) of intestinal bacteria and the relative abundance of certain bacterial taxa (Fusobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Cetobacterium, Plesiomonas, and Romboutsia) were significantly affected by different MOO supplemental levels (P < 0.05), where the former was significantly affected by the interaction of microencapsulation technology and dose, while the latter was not affected by the interaction (P > 0.05). Villus height and disease resistance increased in the HMOO groups with different MOO dosages (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found between the microencapsulation techniques (P > 0.05). HMOO had more positive effects on villus height and disease resistance than CMOO. In conclusion, the effects of MOO on black bass were more dependent on the supplemental dosage than the microencapsulation techniques.

Cryopreservation of bioflavonoid-rich plant sources and bioflavonoid-microcapsules: emerging technologies for preserving bioactivity and enhancing nutraceutical applications.

Bioflavonoids are natural polyphenolic secondary metabolites that are medicinal. These compounds possess antitumor, cardioprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-psoriasis properties to mention a few. Plant species that contain bioflavonoids should be preserved as such. Also, the bioactivity of the bioflavonoids as neutraceutical compounds is compromised following extraction due to their sensitivity to environmental factors like light, pH, and temperature. In other words, the bioflavonoids' shelf-life is affected. Scientists noticed that bioflavonoids have low solubility properties, poor absorption, and low bioavailability following consumption. Researchers came up with methods to encapsulate bioflavonoids in order to circumvent the challenges above and also to mask the unpleasant order these chemicals may have. Besides, scientists cryopreserve plant species that contain bioflavonoids. In this review, we discuss cryopreservation and bioflavonoid microencapsulation focusing mainly on vitrification, slow freezing, and freeze-drying microencapsulation techniques. In addition, we highlight bioflavonoid extraction techniques, medicinal properties, challenges, and future perspectives of cryopreservation and microencapsulation of bioflavonoids. Regardless of the uniqueness of cryopreservation and microencapsulation as methods to preserve bioflavonoid sources and bioflavonoids' bioactivity, there are challenges reported. Freeze-drying technology is costly. Cryoprotectants damage the integrity of plant cells, to say the least. Researchers are working very hard to overcome these challenges. Encapsulating bioflavonoids via coaxial electrospray and then cryopreserving the micro/nanocapsules produced can be very interesting.

Polymer selection for microencapsulation of probiotics: impact on viability, stability, and delivery in functional foods for improved manufacturing and product development in the food industry

Probiotics have won considerable interest in the food industry because of their health benefits. However, ensuring probiotics' viability, stability, and effective delivery in functional ingredients constitute a major concern. Microencapsulation is a promising method to ensure probiotic viability and stability. The best polymer for microencapsulation of probiotics is a determining factor. This paper presents an overview of the impact of polymer selection on probiotic viability, stability, and delivery in functional foods. It discusses numerous microencapsulation techniques and factors influencing polymer selection. It further explores the consequences of various polymers on probiotic viability, highlighting their protecting mechanisms. Additionally, it examines the role of polymer selection in enhancing probiotic stability during delivery, launch kinetics, storage and processing. The business packages of microencapsulated probiotics in foods and case studies on precise polymer choices for probiotic product improvement are also presented. Finally, we present challenges and future directions in using polymers for probiotic microencapsulation in the food industry. This review thus presents insights to enhance manufacturing tactics and product development within the food industry.

Unconventional Use of Tracer Technology Provides Flow Insights for EOR, IOR

_ This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 207431, “Advanced Research and Development in Unconventional Use of Tracer Technology for EOR and IOR: What Lies Beyond?” by Monalisa Chatterjee and Sean Toh, Tracerco, and Ahmed Alshmakhy, SPE, ADNOC, et al. The paper has not been peer reviewed. _ In recent decades, tracers have provided crucial insight into fluid-flow behavior in assessing reservoir connectivity. While advancements in versatility of tracer molecules have been published before in the literature, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, no work has been published to date that discusses the latest advances in unconventional uses of tracer molecules aiding enhanced oil recovery (EOR) and improved oil recovery (IOR) processes. This work is meant to address that gap by exploring four unconventional uses of tracers that hold significant potential. Microencapsulation of Solid Tracers: Enhancing Intelligent Tracers Previous research specified that factors affecting the current technology of solid tracers include physical space restrictions, temperature, tracer-loading capacity, initial surge, release of the tracer into fluid, and target-tracer concentrations. While the first two factors often are dictated by project conditions, advances in the other factors have been largely attributed to the tracer-polymer composition. For the tracers to be released in a controlled manner across a designated period, polymer structure plays a pivotal role in achieving longevity. The complete paper discusses a technique that is an application revolving around microencapsulation of chemical tracers in a solid shell before the addition of polymer material. Encapsulation vs. Microencapsulation. The encapsulation technique is a complex process involving selection of compatible molecular carriers, understanding their effects, and building the appropriate encapsulation (usually molecular encapsulation) to ensure that the capsules meet the desired outcome of each study. In this paper, an advanced subset of encapsulation—microencapsulation—is presented and its applications in inflow chemical tracing are discussed. Microencapsulation involves a particle, usually of micrometer dimensions, comprising a core material surrounded by a wall material significantly different from that of the core. The difference between them mainly arises from the morphology and the internal structure. The process allows the active ingredient to be protected from adverse external environmental conditions by the encapsulating coating agent. By applying the microencapsulation technique, the release profiles of tracers can be further controlled by changing the thickness, material, and morphology of the encapsulating agent. When applied onto tracers, this changes the tracer-release mechanism to a two-step, instead of the typical one-step, process. Oil tracers that generally are oleophilic will be released when in contact with oil; similarly, water tracers that are hydrophilic will be released when in contact with water. The tracers will remain dormant until the phase of interest encounters the polymer bars, and the two-step process allows the encapsulating agent to further improve the longevity of the tracers.

In vitro Survival of Microencapsulated Canine-Specific Probiotics Under Simulated Gastrointestinal Tract Conditions and During Storage

The survival of probiotics in the gastrointestinal system of dogs is crucial for them to provide health benefits. However, probiotics must also endure various physical conditions during commercial production and storage. Therefore, this study employed the microencapsulation technique to ensure the survival of probiotics using alginate as the encapsulation material, both alone and in combination with goat milk (alginate-goat milk). The study assessed the survival rates of two probiotic LAB strains, Enterococcus hirae Pom 4 and Ligilactobacillus animalis FB2, in both types of matrices under simulated dog gastrointestinal conditions, during food production, and 28 days of refrigeration at 4°C. The findings revealed that alginate-goat milk microcapsules had the highest encapsulation yield, and the viability of microencapsulated LAB cells in the alginate-goat milk matrix was the best protection for both probiotic strains under all conditions, including pasteurization temperature. Even after pasteurization, viable counts exceeding 6 log cfu/g were observed, indicating the promising application of alginate-goat milk microcapsules for optimal protection, enabling probiotics to survive until they reach the intended site and provide health benefits to dogs.

Microencapsulation of Laurus nobilis L. Leaf Extract in Alginate-Based System via Electrostatic Extrusion.

Bay leaves (L. nobilis L.) are a rich source of polyphenols that hold great potential for application in functional food products in which where the main challenges are the polyphenols' low stability and bioaccessibility, which can be overcome through different microencapsulation techniques, such as electrostatic extrusion, which hasn't been applied for the encapsulation of bay leaf polyphenols (BLP) to date. Therefore, the main goal of this research was to evaluate the potential of this technique through monitoring the polyphenolic content, antioxidant activity, release kinetics, and bioaccessibility of the encapsulated BLP. The results showed that electrostatic extrusion was suitable for the encapsulation of BLP, where 1% alginate and 1.5% CaCl2 with 0.5% chitosan resulted in the highest encapsulation efficiency (92.76%) and antioxidant activity in vitro. The use of 1.5% or 2% alginate with 5% CaCl2 + 0.5% chitosan showed the most controlled release of polyphenols, while encapsulation generally increased the bioaccessibility of BLP. The results showed that electrostatic extrusion can be considered an efficient technique for the microencapsulation of BLP.

Utilization of Microencapsulated Thyme Essential Oil for Aroma Treatment of Wool Fabric

Background: With rising global trends and changing lifestyles in fashion, beauty as well as healthcare, the awareness of consumers has enforced the evolution of specialty value-added textiles. Essential oils and basic aromatherapy ingredients are microencapsulated and applied to the materials to provide a therapeutic effect and long-lasting aromas. The present study was carried out to prepare thyme essential oil microcapsules using a complex coacervation technique. The prepared microcapsules were applied on wool fabric using pad-dry-cure method by optimizing various variables of aroma treatment.&#x0D; Methods: Thyme essential oil was used based on its aromatic and therapeutic properties. A complex coacervation technique of microencapsulation was used to prepare thyme oil microcapsules. The padding bath components and treatment variables were optimized based on the presence of microcapsules on wool fabric as observed under a stereo zoom microscope, aroma durability to washing and improved properties of treated material regarding bending length, flexural rigidity and crease recovery angle. The aroma treatment was given on wool fabric using pad-dry-cure method.&#x0D; Results: Optimized variables for aroma treatment were 60 g/l microcapsule gel, two g/l softeners and ten g/l binder concentration, 1:20 material to liquor ratio, 35 ºC temperature, and 30 minutes treatment time as at these conditions more number of microcapsules, longer wash durability and better fabric properties in terms of bending length, flexural rigidity and crease recovery angle were observed. Aroma-treated wool fabric were dried at 70 ºC temperature for 4 minutes and cured at 100 ºC for 60 seconds.&#x0D; Conclusions: Thyme essential oil has many reported therapeutic properties therefore microencapsulated thyme basic oil-treated wool fabric can be used for apparel, home, and healthcare textiles. Higher concentrations of microcapsule gel and lower concentrations of softener and binder promoted the deposition of a maximum number of microcapsules on wool fabric. Complex coacervation techniques of microencapsulation for preparation of thyme essential oil microcapsules and pad-dry-cure method to impart durable aroma treatment on wool are needed to acquire long term sustained finish.

Stress tolerance and characterization of biofilm-like probiotic bacteria encapsulated in calcium pectin beads

Probiotics can regulate gut microbes to maintain human health. However, probiotics are sensitive to environmental conditions, which reduces their survival rates. There are two forms of bacterial cells: single (planktonic) cells and biofilms. Many investigations have verified that biofilm-formed probiotic strains are more resistant to adverse environments than their planktonic counterparts. This study successfully produced high-density probiotic microcapsules in a biofilm state by preparing probiotic cells in biofilm mode and combining them with microencapsulation techniques (>10 log CFU/g). Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum L-ZS9 was cultured within calcium pectin beads (CPB) to create CPB-Biofilm-situ. Subsequent tolerance experiments revealed that the CPB-Biofilm-situ was highly resistant to acid, the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) environment, and freeze-drying. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that the cells in CPB-Biofilm-situ displayed a marginalization tendency for the culture. The water content of the beads was approximately 10%, which was deemed acceptable, and the texture characteristics were also determined. The physicochemical properties and structure of the beads were investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). This work is a valuable reference for a new generation of probiotic agents in the biofilm state.

Infliximab microencapsulation: an innovative approach for intra-articular administration of biologics in the management of rheumatoid arthritis—in vitro evaluation

Microencapsulation of the therapeutical monoclonal antibody infliximab (INF) was investigated as an innovative approach to improve its stability and to achieve formulations with convenient features for intra-articular administration. Ultrasonic atomization (UA), a novel alternative to microencapsulate labile drugs, was compared with the conventional emulsion/evaporation method (Em/Ev) using biodegradable polymers, specifically Polyactive® 1000PEOT70PBT30 [poly(ethylene-oxide-terephthalate)/poly(butylene-terephthalate); PEOT-PBT] and its polymeric blends with poly-(D, L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) RG502 and RG503 (PEOT-PBT:PLGA; 65:35). Six different formulations of spherical core–shell microcapsules were successfully developed and characterized. The UA method achieved a significantly higher encapsulation efficiency (69.7–80.25%) than Em/Ev (17.3–23.0%). Mean particle size, strongly determined by the microencapsulation method and to a lesser extent by polymeric composition, ranged from 26.6 to 49.9 µm for UA and 1.5–2.1 µm for Em/Ev. All formulations demonstrated sustained INF release in vitro for up to 24 days, with release rates modulated by polymeric composition and microencapsulation technique. Both methods preserved INF biological activity, with microencapsulated INF showing higher efficacy than commercial formulations at comparable doses regarding bioactive tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) neutralization according to WEHI-13VAR bioassay. Microparticles’ biocompatibility and extensive internalization by THP-1-derived macrophages was demonstrated. Furthermore, high in vitro anti-inflammatory activity was achieved after treatment of THP-1 cells with INF-loaded microcapsules, significatively reducing in vitro production of TNF-α and interleucine-6 (Il-6).Graphical

Ovalbumin and sodium alginate complex coacervates as delivery system of β-carotene: Formation, characterization, and cookies fortification

β-carotene (βC) is a liposoluble natural pigment important for human health due to their antioxidant and provitamin A activities but presents high chemistry instabilities which increases their oxidation in the presence of light, oxygen, high temperatures and low pHs. This research aimed to microencapsulate βC by complex coacervation of ovalbumin (OVA) and sodium alginate (NaAlg). The microencapsulation technique was employed at pH=4.0 and 8:1 OVA/NaAlg (w/w) ratio, after confirming their affinity with zeta potential, state diagram, turbidity, and isothermal trituration calorimetry analyses. The obtained microcapsules presented spherical morphology with well-defined core and high encapsulation efficiency (97.90%). The presence of OVA, NaAlg and βC in microcapsules was confirmed by the Fourier transformed infrared analyses. The in vitro simulation of the gastrointestinal digestion of the microcapsules revealed that 71.39% of microencapsulated βC was released in the intestines with 32.78% of bioaccessibility. The release kinetics of encapsulated βC demonstrated that the βC release mechanism occurs by Fickian diffusion. The addition of βC microcapsules in cookies improved by 2-fold the antioxidant activities compared to free βC microcapsules cookies. These results suggest that βC microcapsules formed by complex coacervation of OVA/NaAlg can be added efficiently in the fortification of cookies.

Evaluation of microbial and vancomycin treatments in ulcerative colitis in murine models.

Despite the number of available therapies for ulcerative colitis (UC), severe side effects and high cost has limited their clinical application. Thus, finding new alternative strategies with minimal side effects is inevitable. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effectiveness of different therapeutic approaches in DSS-induced colitis. Firstly, we designed oral bio-therapeutic products, Live Bacterial Products (LBP), which include a mixture of fecal bacteria strains isolated from healthy mice and prepared by microencapsulation and freeze-dried techniques. Then we investigated the efficiency of 7 days of freeze-dried FMT, LBP, and vancomycin treatments in DSS-induced colitis. Secondly, we compared the effect of 15 days of microbial therapies (freeze-dried powder of FMT and LBP microcapsules) and seven days of oral vancomycin on the severity of colitis in mice. Furthermore, the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were measured in serum by ELISA, and the fecal microbiota diversity was analyzed by high-throughput sequencing for all mice groups. After seven days of treatments, our results indicated that oral vancomycin reduced the severity of DSS-induced colitis in mice, where weight gain and a decrease in IL-1 β and TNF-α levels were observed in the vancomycin group compared with other treatment groups. While after two weeks of treatment, the LBP microcapsules were able to reduce the severity of colitis. And at the end of the treatment period, weight gain and a decrease in the DAI scores and the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were noted in the LBP treatment group compared to other treatment groups. By high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, our results showed that while the microcapsules LBP treatment increased the fecal microbial diversity, after vancomycin therapy, most of the fecal microbiota genera and operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were depleted. Our results concluded that treatment duration and preparation methods affect the microbial therapies' efficiency in UC. Furthermore, this study highlighted the negative consequences of oral vancomycin administration on gut health that should be known before using this medication.

The Effect of Spray-Drying Conditions on the Characteristics of Powdered Pistacia lentiscus Leaf Extract

Pistacia lentiscus is an evergreen shrub widely used in folk medicine due to the high biological potential of the leaves’ phenolic compounds. Since phenolic compounds are susceptible to degradation under different heat, light and oxygen conditions, various microencapsulation techniques, such as spray drying, can be used to increase their stability. The objective of this study was to examine the influence of different carriers (gum arabic (GA), maltodextrin 13–17 DE (MD), β-cyclodextrin (BCD) and their mixtures), carrier concentrations in feed (12.8, 16 and 19.2% (m/V)) and drying temperatures (120, 150 and 180 °C) on the physiochemical properties, total phenolic content (TPC) and antioxidant activity (AOA) of Pistacia lentiscus leaf extract powders. Product yields of powders ranged from 23.53 to 65.51%, moisture content from 2.89 to 12.03%, hygroscopicity up to 4.45 g/100 g, solubility from 27.11 to 86.84% and bulk density from 0.24 to 0.45 g/mL. All obtained powders had satisfactory physicochemical properties, except BCD powders, which resulted in the lowest product yield, solubility and bulk density. However, BCD powders and those produced with GA containing mixtures retained the highest amounts of TPC and AOA. Thereby, the carrier mixtures with GA at a concentration of 19.2% and dried at 150 °C are recommended as the most suitable for the production of encapsulated Pistacia lentiscus leaf extracts with desirable physicochemical properties, rich in phenolics and with high antioxidant activity.

Production, characterization, and dietary supplementation effect of rumen-protected fat on ruminal function and blood parameters of sheep.

Rumen-protected fat (RPF) was produced in the 1st experimental stage through melt-emulsification technique using buriti oil (BO) as core, at concentrations of 10% (BO10), 20% (BO20), and 30% (BO30) (w/w), and carnauba wax (CW) as encapsulant material. After obtention and characterization, protected fat microspheres were tested in a 2nd experimental stage on the sheep' diet using six castrated 2-year-old male Santa Ines with initial weight 48.9 ± 5.23kg, fistulated in rumen and distributed in a double Latin square design with 3 treatments × 3 periods, to evaluate rumen pH, temperature, protozoal count, and blood parameters. There was no difference (P > 0.05) among RPF microspheres for microencapsulation yield. However, microencapsulation efficiency increased (P < 0.05) with BO addition ranging from 36 to 61.3% for BO10 and BO30, respectively. The inclusion of BO10 in the sheep's diet did not affect the ruminal dry matter degradability (DMD) of BO over time (P > 0.05); however, BO20 and BO30 had higher (P < 0.05) DMD values than BO10. No significant differences were observed among RPF for rumen pH and temperature (P > 0.05). There was an increase (P < 0.05) in the protozoal population in the rumen environment due to the microencapsulated BO30 inclusion. There was also increase (P < 0.05) in serum albumin, cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and a reduction (P < 0.05) in serum triglycerides of the sheep when RPF microspheres increased in the diet. Melt-emulsification proved to be a good technique for microencapsulation of buriti oil into the carnauba wax matrix. RPF from buriti oil protected into carnauba wax is recommended for sheep diet because it increases energy density, without adverse effects on the protozoal populations and blood serum metabolites from the bypass effect in the rumen.

Fabrication of high-quality microcapsules containing ionic liquid for application in self-healing conductive materials

Conductive materials inevitably develop micro-cracks during processing or use, which seriously impairs the performance and lifetime of their associated devices. Autonomous recovery of conductivity can greatly improve in-service reliability and extend service life. Herein, microcapsules containing conductive ionic liquid (IL) were successfully synthesized using a novel microencapsulation technique via integrating electrostatic spraying and interfacial polymerization (ES-IP), and their high potential for conductivity restoration of conductive pastes for printed circuits was verified. The prepared ionic liquid microcapsules (IL-MCs) have good dispersibility, great solidity, and tunable properties. Self-healing conductive composites were prepared by incorporating the synthesized microcapsules into the conductive slurry and the effect of microcapsule content in the matrix on the restoration was investigated. The conductivity recovery tests show that IL-MCs recover the conductivity of the damaged samples with an efficiency of about 96%. While the restoration efficiency remains essentially stable with increasing the microcapsule content, the chance of restoration increases. When the microcapsule content was 20%, the probability of the damaged samples being autonomously repaired is about 84%. It proves that the successful microencapsulation of IL using the ES-IP technique broadens the applications of ILs in conductive materials.